Ish Sodhi to be picked in Black Caps' World Cup squad after Kane Williamson intervention

Ish Sodhi will likely find himself in New Zealand's 15-man squad for this year's Cricket World Cup in England, after a selection intervention from captain Kane Williamson.

With New Zealand's squad to be named in Christchurch tomorrow, 1 NEWS understands that chief selector Gavin Larsen and coach Gary Stead had finalised their ideal 15 to travel to England later this month.

Todd Astle is understood to have been penciled by selectors in to travel to the World Cup as the second spinner, partnering Mitchell Santner.

However, captain Williamson looks to have asserted his influence on the World Cup squad, insisting Sodhi be taken instead.

Astle looked to have earned the coaches' backing, having played in the Black Caps' last 50-over assignment against Bangladesh, also being a more assured batsman than Sodhi.

Williamson insisted that Sodhi be included, due to his experience in English conditions with County side Nottinghamshire.

Elsewhere, 1 NEWS understands that Wellington's Tom Blundell will be chosen as the back up wicketkeeper, preferred as a genuine option to deputise for Tom Latham.

The move could be seen as a risk for Blundell in particular, having not played a single One Day International, and boasting a modest record in List A cricket, averaging 24 at a strike rate of just over 79.